Page 23 of Beguiled

I’d learned a long time ago that there were no perfect families. Every depiction seen on Hallmark was bullshit, reality more like a cross between Lifetime movies and a crime thriller. Even my family held their share of secrets. That’s how I could tell she wasn’t being overdramatic. Her father was putting pressure on her.

“Plus, you never know. They operate six nights a week and I can’t work that many hours so you might be offered a job.” Her face remained scrunched up, but her eyes allowed a view of whatever the truth was. She was frightened.

“Okay. One night. That’s it.”

The moment was gone, her bright unassuming smile returning. “That’s fantastic. I knew you’d say yes, which is why I brought a costume with me.”

“You’re kidding.”

She was back to giggling as if the line she’d crossed into some dark side of her own didn’t exist. “Let me show you. It’s perfect for you. I haven’t worn it because red doesn’t look good on me. You’ve told me that.”

As she grabbed a bag by her feet, I sat back, uncertain how I felt about this. “Are you okay?”

“Very. Completely okay. Just excited about my date. I know that’s ridiculous after my history with men, but he’s such a nice guy.”

I’d heard about one too many nice guys. She was the girl most who most wanted to get married. Now I had an inkling as to why.

“Look at this. Would you believe I found this at a little thrift store? It’s so you.”

“It’s so glittery,” I groaned.

“That’s the entire point. The hotter you look, the better the tips. You’re going to look fabulous.”

As I pulled the outfit into the air, my self-confidence tanked. “I don’t know about that.”

“I do. Stop worrying. You’re an angel for doing this. I’ll text you all the information and your contact while you’re there. I’ll call my boss and let him know so he can put you on the guest list.”

“You’re sure your boss will be okay with this?” I wasn’t certain I was okay with this.

“Absolutely. He’ll be thrilled to have new blood.”

Hmm… There were several reasons I didn’t like the words she used.

“You owe me.”

“You’re right and who knows, maybe you can buy a hot little dress for when that sexy boss of yours asks you out on a date.” Her wink was an attempt to make me feel better.

It wasn’t working. “Just out of curiosity, what about the third fight?”

“What do you mean?”

“You mentioned there are three different fights and the first two are more for amateurs.”

“Oh,” she said. “The third is definitely more professional and is usually over with quickly. The bets are much higher.”

“Let me guess. Which means the tips are higher.”

“Now you understand.”

I had to wonder if that was true or not and why I still had a very bad feeling in the pit of my stomach.

CHAPTER 6

Saige

The Strike Zone.

Catchy name.